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Tomorrow’s derby against Gloucester is as close to a make-or-break game as Bristol have had for a long time – defeat would leave them at least seven points below the line with four matches, including games against all of the top three, to come.

So claiming a first win against Gloucester since 2008 is essential if Bristol are to harbour any realistic hopes of pulling off a great escape.

Is this a game Bristol must win?

Yes, in as much as, if they lose the game, they will almost certainly have to beat either Exeter, Wasps or Saracens to have any chance of taking it to the final game against Newcastle on May 6. And that is assuming Worcester – who go to Wasps on Sunday – do not win any of their next five matches.

Are there any reasons to be positive?

Yes. Bristol have recent history of winning a big derby at home, beating Bath 12-11 the last time they played at Ashton Gate, while Gloucester have not won away from home in the Premiership since September. The Cherry and Whites have been a model of inconsistency this season, winning only one of their last four Premiership matches and two of their last eight.

Jason Strange scores a crucial drop goal in Bristol's 29-26 win over Gloucester in February 2008 (Image: David Rogers/Getty Images)

When did Bristol last beat Gloucester?

February 2008. They were 29-26 winners at the Memorial Stadium, with Jason Strange dropping a crucial goal. The Welshman will always be remembered for his match-winning drop against Gloucester in November 2006 – but he repeated the feat 15 months later, kicking Bristol 29-20 in front with 14 minutes to go, before two late penalties by Willie Walker cut the final margin to three points. Bristol’s tries were scored by Jason Hobson and Scott Linklater.

What’s the word from the Bristol camp?

Centre Will Hurrell, who is expected to stay with Bristol next season regardless of where they finish in the table, said: “It was a hugely disappointing result for us at Worcester, but we want to build from the Bath game the week before. It’s about getting back to what we do well, which is defend and take teams on up front. That’s what we’re going to take into this week.

“Up at Gloucester earlier this season, we were in good shape at half-time, but a couple of lapses of concentration cost us. We’ve got to make sure we’re on the ball for the full 80 minutes on Friday. It’s a derby game at home, which is a really good game for us to come back into.

“It’s obviously disappointing to hear [people writing Bristol off] but we’ll never give up – ever. We’re going to throw everything into every game we can – and it might not be enough at the end of the season, but we’re not going to come away from this saying that we haven’t put everything in.”

Sam Jeffries will make his first Aviva Premiership start in Friday's derby (Image: Joe Meredith/JMP)

What are the bookmakers saying?

Gloucester are comfortable, if not overwhelming favourites, for victory at Ashton Gate. Most bookmakers make them 8-15 favourites, with Bristol 6-4 and the draw 20-1. On the handicap, Bristol are Evens to win with a 3.5-point start. Bristol to win by a margin of 1-5 points is 5-1.

When is the game and are there any tickets left?

The match kicks off at 7.45pm on Friday at Ashton Gate – and tickets are still available. They are on general sale online and over the phone, with full details here or via 0117 9630600. As of Thursday morning, Bristol had sold around 13,200 tickets for the match.

Is the game live on TV?

Yes. BT Sport were not going to pass on the opportunity to show this clash, which kicks off their live rugby coverage (also featuring Northampton v Leicester and Saracens v Bath) this weekend. Coverage starts on BT Sport 1 at 7pm. If you cannot get to the game, and don’t have access to BT Sport, you can follow the Bristol Post’s live blog of the match at www.bristolpost.co.uk/bristolrugby from 7pm.